Best brunches in Stockton

For some San Joaquin County residents, brunch means Champagne, a French croissant, eggs Benedict and chicken Marsala.

Ian Hill

For some San Joaquin County residents, brunch means Champagne, a French croissant, eggs Benedict and chicken Marsala.

For others, it's beer, a breakfast burrito and the game.

The Record recently asked readers to name their favorite local brunch spot. The responses ranged from the traditional (buffets) to the literal (restaurants that serve breakfast and lunch simultaneously) to the uniquely American (brews and the Raiders).

Contact reporter Ian Hill at (209) 943-8571 or ihill@recordnet.com.

Where: 2041 Pacific Ave.

Information: (209) 946-9494

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $15.50

Why: So many readers named this Miracle Mile creperie as their favorite brunch restaurant that you'd think the fix was in. But owner Daniel Peron said the key to the eatery's success lies in serving fresh, quality food at an affordable price.

"Everything is made from scratch; we don't use canned," Peron said. He noted that chef Russell Long's brunch starts with a croissant imported from France and ends with a dessert crepe. In between, diners can enjoy a buffet that changes weekly. Offerings may include chicken Marsala, homemade pancakes and tri-tip. Brunch also comes with a glass of Champagne.

Where: 2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi

Information: (209) 334-6988

When: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $28

Why: While this is the most expensive brunch on our list, it also might provide the most for the money. Everything about brunch at this upscale hotel and spa is impressive, including the French toast and chicken dishes on the buffet, the fresh-carved prime rib and the made-to-order omelettes. The price includes all-you-can-drink Champagne, mimosas, juice and coffee.

But the food might not even be the best reason to have brunch at Wine and Roses. The atmosphere alone is worth the cost of the meal.

"During the winter you have a fireplace going," noted host Evelyn Meadows. "It's a nice atmosphere. During the summer, it's outdoor seating" in Wine and Roses' garden.

Where: 314 North Lincoln Center

Information: (209) 956-0270

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $14.50

Why: Bud Millsaps isn't a fan of buffets.

"I was in the Navy for four years," he said. "Buffets lose their luster."

Instead, his restaurant offers a sit-down brunch featuring sourdough French toast, big, fluffy omelettes, shrimp and crab melt sandwiches and clam chowder. Millsaps noted that everything is fresh, so that customers won't be faced with dried-out food that's been sitting in a buffet for hours.

Bud's also has many regulars who make brunch a friendly experience. "It's homey and cozy," Millsaps said.

Where: 6034 Pacific Ave.

Information: (209) 473-9977

When: Breakfast served 5 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed Sundays

Cost: $8-$9

Why: Hamburgers aren't the only draw at this 48-year-old diner.

"It's 2 p.m. ... and I don't see one hamburger," owner Steve Grant said. "I'm looking at all breakfasts."

Although it doesn't specifically offer brunch, Chuck's serves lunch and breakfast all day, so it fits the literal definition.

"It's real food," Grant said of the menu at Chuck's. He said the breakfast potatoes are fresh, not frozen, and the pancakes are homemade and huge.

Chuck's also has developed a loyal following over the past four decades that gives it a comfortable atmosphere.

"We've got that type of business like you see at 'Cheers,' where everybody wants to sit in the same spot," Grant said.

Where: 6124 Pacific Ave.

Information: (209) 474-0998

When: Burrito served 9 a.m.-noon Sundays

Cost: $5-$6

Why: Tired of eating peanuts for breakfast when you're at a bar Sunday mornings watching football? Consider heading to The End Zone sports bar, where manager John Diego serves beer and a breakfast burrito at 9 a.m.

"We don't do a typical brunch," he said. "We only offer one thing. We sell out of it every week. It's just really good."

Diego makes one of two types of burritos depending on what's available. The machaca burrito ($6) includes steak, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, beans and rice. The Everything But the Kitchen Sink burrito ($5), meanwhile, is just as its name implies.

"I put in every kind of breakfast meat you can think of," Diego said. "It looks like a football on a plate, it's so big."

And while you're eating your football-sized burrito, you can enjoy the game of football on The End Zone's seven televisions.

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